The 7 Learning Styles to Look Out for In Your Kids
Supporting our kids to have fun while they learn is key to raising confident, lifelong learners, whether that’s at home or in the classroom. Today I want to share with you 7 different learning styles you can look out for, to help you shape fulfilling learning experiences:
1. Visual learners
These are learners who can process information best when they can see it. They prefer pictures over words, and benefit from seeing instructions laid out visually or to have pictorial illustrations to help explain an idea. Visual learners also like watching videos and live demonstrations, and might enjoy looking at things like tables, graphs, and maps to help them understand data. They enjoy being able to see what you’re talking about!
2. Auditory / Musical learners
These learners prefer to hear information. They enjoy listening to spoken explanations, reading aloud (either themselves, or listening to others) and can pick-up information through music & song. Think times table songs, as an example. A challenge for auditory listeners is that they can also be distracted by sound that’s irrelevant, so will prefer a quieter learning space where they can focus on what is being said.
3. Verbal learners
These learners love all things wordy! This can be spoken or written, so they often enjoy listening activities as well as reading or writing themselves. Verbal learners like to make notes and lists and to read, they may also like written work (like completing worksheets) as well as word games. Verbal learners are often keen to get into discussions on things too and learn well from conversation.
4. Physical / Kinaesthetic learners
These learners process information through movement. Hands-on activities are the way forward for this group! Activities where your child has to ‘do’ something are ideal; helping them experience the satisfaction they get from using both fine & gross motor skills. Physical learners often enjoy creating and building things, whether that’s artworks or science experiments, and love to keep moving. They will often have a harder time sitting still.
5. Logical / Mathematical learners
These learners thrive on logic, reasoning and using systems to understand information. They love maths and enjoy being able to spot and understand patterns. Other things logical learners like include facts, step-by-step processes and having a plan before acting. Logical learners like to be organised.
6. Social / Interpersonal learners
As you might expect, these learners benefit from being around other people – whether other children or adults. Social learners love to work in teams, so they have others to discuss ideas with and get feedback. If they need to plan something, they’ll do better alongside others. Social learners are more likely to be found playing in groups rather than independently.
7. Solitary / Intrapersonal learners
These learners best process information when alone and are usually driven to self-mastery (not needing outside validation for encouragement). Solitary learners need their own quiet space to thrive. They prefer to take the lead on tasks so they can reflect and take control. They are usually self-aware and good at managing their time effectively to make the most of an activity. They may benefit from a lot of time to create, read, or play independently.
Reading through these 7 learning styles, can you already pinpoint which style children in your home or classroom are best suited to? If not, the best approach to find out is to observe your child as they learn and play. You can also involve them in the conversation around how they learn by asking them what they find hard and what they find easy.
For more primary years learning ideas and resources to help make learning more fun and effective, explore more articles in the PrintPlayLearn Blog.
